The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-12-15
HOW TO DRAIN FARM LAND
Explanation of Indiana Experts of I'M
proved Methods in Laying Tile.
More About the Benefits of Drainage During
Seasons of Drought-Newly Elected Off,
GERS Of the Tile-Makers Association.

The Tile-makers' Association opened yesterday
morning with an address by S. G. burlington, of
Chicago, on Burning Clays with Crude OIL"
He was Of the opinion, from his experience that
crude oil made an excellent fuel for burning tile
or other clay work. It could be obtained as
cheaply almost any other fuel in most parts
OF the country, and more cheaply than some
fuels in common use. From his observation it
did the work thoroughly and caused very little
waste in breakage.
The next paper was on 1.-THE Lessons and
Needs of the Hour" by j. J. ". Billingsly.
He said that droughts, while deplored by many,
have their compensa.ions. They are usually
succeeded by years OF plenty. The drought Of
1880 was followed by excellent crops in the years
1881 and 1882, and the is true of other years
During the continuance Of the drought the capil-
larry flow OF moisture from the greater depths
underlying the surface soil brings up the soluble
elements of fertility and deposits them at the
surface, for the future supply of plant food
The water-ine of the under-earth being carried
to q greater depth admits of circulation of air
through tho subsoils and cays beneath, effecting
chemical combinations of the utmost importance
in the growth of crops in the succeeding years.
The drought has also demonstrated that the deep
er drains have proved beneficial in protecting the
crops against damage from droughts. which is
effected by the circulation of the air through the
lines OF the drains and undersoils which are at q
temperature sufficiently low to cause the deposit
of moisture upon the particles of soil. A moist
ure Ia always present in the air in greater or less
quantities, affording a supply to the growing
crops Again. the deeper drainage makes the
eartn open and porous to o greater depth. allow
ing the roots of crops to 90 deeper for supplies
OF both food and moisture.
AT the opening OF the afternoon session Mr..
+. l.. knight, OF Fl. Wayne, Ind. presented q
paper on the Incorporation of Tile makers and
Civil Engineers" He said that the proper way
TO tile piece of land was to have engineer
lay on the work and let the farmer put the tile
In at his leisure. If it is not put in properly it
will not work we'll. and customer may be lost
Ii put In properly it will do its work we'll and a
customer will be secured. 1t would be we'll for
tlie-men and engineers to unite in local meetings
TO consider their mutual interests.
j. W. Everal, of Westervile. was introduced.
and read paper on Improved Methods of
Ditching and Laying Tile" He said that the
bitches should be dug about three feet deep.
sloping from the top to the bottom. Long
handled tools should be used and the workmen
should never stand in the bottom of the ditch
The tile should then be lifted in with hooks and
placed carefully in line. They need not be fitted
closely in hea-y clay soils if the drain has
good fall In LAYING a drain one should begin
at the mouth and work back to the head.
After discussion of this paper Mr.. G. S. Pol
lock, OF Sullivan, was introduced and presented
tne SUBJECT or ''Old ana New Methods or Burn
ing Tile" He said that recent years the
primitive mode of drying horseshoe tile their
sides and burning them in kilns having clay
walls. with wood for fuel. was rapidly going out
of fashion. It used to be said that any kind of
thing was good enough TO put under ground, but
farmers who knew enough to tile knew enough
to think for themselves. and they soon learned
better. In consequence, competition between
manufacturers has led to the improved methods
of preparing fuel and kilns and the immediate
work of burning. A down-draft kiln does bet
ter work than up-draft kiln. Natural gas is
a valuable relief in the work of firing. and where
it cannot be obtained artificial gas will probably
come into use.
This was the last paper the programme.
and after q discussion of it the society proceed
ed to miscellaneous business vote of thanks
was returned to Secretary Heron for courtesies
shown. Officers for the ensuing year
elected as follows:
President, G.. S. Pollock. of Sullivan.
Vice-president Hiram Hnds Noblesville.
Treasurer, NJ. g. Lee Charlottesville.
Secretary, j. j. W. Bilngsey, indianapolis.
The society passed resolution indorsing the
resolutions of the State Horticultural Society in
regard to the State Library and appointing Mr.
J. J. W. Bilingsley a delegate to cooperate
in putting the matter before the Legislature
The society then adjourned to the second Tues
day in December, 1888.